I use to be a fan of the summer season in any part of the world, but that changed when I visited Dubai one early August. Since then, I have avoided the Gulf countries in summer and kept myself under the shade in the Middle East generally.
I wanted to get familiar with the North-West African dialects and decided to give Marrakech a try. I contacted a language centre, asking about studying the Moroccan Arabic dialect, Darija, intending for some time in October. This was during the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic and I was unsure whether any centre was teaching face-to-face these days.
The director of Study Arabic Marrakech was positive and advised me that he was expecting level one students (more or less) in September, suggesting I consider this option. Determined to end my fear of contagion and be a global citizen again, I made plans to visit Morocco. I informed the director and completed the online enrolment form.
Initially, it was really nice to visit Marrakech. There is a lot to see and experience. There is the old city, which is the main attraction, then there is the new city where there are nice cafes, such as Cappuccino near Avenue Echouhada. Also, there is the countryside and mountains nearby.
However, due to the summer heat, I was unable to sleep. Also, I have never been a fan of air conditioning, but without it, being indoors was unbearable. Anywhere north of Marrakech would of been perfect. During the months of July, August and September, if you are planning to study, then Marrakech is better avoided. Having said that, the city is full of tourists throughout summer and if you are unlike me, then Marrakech will probably work for you – any time of year.
At the language centre, which turned out to be very genuine, all was well except that the other beginner students had not turned up. One was said to have arrived in Marrakech, but still sorting out accommodation. There was a level 2+, but the director’s opinion was correct, it would be counter productive. After losing a couple of days, the directors suggested I could take a one to one class, but pay for group tuition. If the others arrive, then great. If not, then we carry on. Sounded like a good deal and I accepted.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find a cheap and comfortable hotel near the centre, which was in the suburbs, but eventually I settled in a hotel nearer to the city centre and found, to my surprise, taking a taxi everyday to be a way easier process (civilised) compared to other locations in the Middle East. Just needed to agree a price before getting in. I must admit, I had some interesting conversations with the drivers and they spoke good modern standard Arabic, or some mixture of the former and Darija. Most importantly, I understood them and they could understand me.
Another activity one can do in Marrakech is a bicycle tour of the city. I booked this with Pikala Bikes and it was certainly the highlight of my trip. Another trip they do is an Eco lodge visit near the Sahara. This might sound more challenging, but I think it is probably safer (than cycling around ther Old City, whereas the New City is a different story). There are often tour groups organising hikes in the Moroccan deserts and the climbing of Mount Toubkal, a popular activity. Marrakech is often the starting point of such trips.
You can also enrol at Study Arabic Marrakech for the long term and they teach Modern Standard Arabic too. Alternatively, you might want to try out other language centres around the country, while exploring the rest of Morocco. By train, you can get to Casablanca in three hours.
Should one learn Arabic in Marrakech? There are a couple of language centres in this city, including one that teaches Berber, and the Study Arabic Marrakech centre is perfect if you want to study for a few days only.
Arabian Misadventures 